Catalyst additives

Abstract

A nickel slurry comprising a nickel catalyst, water and at least one rheology modifier, the activity of the nickel catalyst being equal to or greater than the activity of the equivalent nickel catalyst contained in a slurry which does not comprise rheology modifiers, wherein the at least one rheology modifier provides high viscosity at low shear stress and low viscosity at high shear stress.

What is claimed: 
     
       1. A process for catalysing a reaction comprising the step of adding to a reaction vessel:
 (i) a pre-formed nickel slurry catalyst suspension comprising a nickel catalyst, water and at least one rheology modifier, wherein the activity of the nickel catalyst is equal to or greater than the activity of an equivalent nickel catalyst contained in a slurry which does not comprise rheology modifiers, wherein said slurry exhibits pseudoplasticity, and wherein the nickel slurry catalyst suspension comprises from 1×10 −3  wt % to 3 wt % rheology modifiers relative to the total weight of the suspension; and 
 (ii) at least one reactant to convert the at least one reactant into a product. 
 
     
     
       2. The process for catalysing a reaction according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one rheology modifier is selected from the group consisting of polysaccharides, celluloses, hydrophobically modified alkali-swellable emulsions, polyhydroxycellulose derivatives and any combination thereof. 
     
     
       3. The process for catalysing a reaction according to  claim 1 , wherein the nickel slurry catalyst suspension is alkaline. 
     
     
       4. The process for catalysing a reaction according to  claim 1 , wherein the reaction is a hydrogenation reaction. 
     
     
       5. The process for catalysing a reaction according to  claim 1 , wherein the catalyst is pyrophoric when dry.